The 30th Space Wing and the U.S.
Missile Defense Agency are scheduled to conduct a flight test
exercising elements of the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system Jan.
26, between the hours of 2 and 6 p.m on North base.

"Vandenberg Hawks are working with MDA to provide safe launch
operations for the test," " said Armagno."It's a pleasure to work with
our MDA mission partners."

The test will involve the launch of a three-stage Ground-Based
Interceptor missile. It does not involve an intercept, and no target
missile will be launched. MDA will use the test results to improve and
enhance the GMD element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System,
designed to defend the Nation, deployed forces, friends and allies
from ballistic missile attacks, according to an MDA spokesperson.

Under good conditions, Saturday's launch should visible to the unaided
eye for a radius of approximately 50 miles. Experienced observers who
know where and when to look, and what to look for, might see the
launch from as far away as 100 miles.